John Skelton is set to make his first start since opening day. / Jennifer Stewart, US Presswire

by Kent Somers, USA TODAY Sports

by Kent Somers, USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt said in training camp that it was likely more than one of his quarterbacks would have to play this season, but Whisenhunt probably didn't envision the speed of the current carousel at the position.

John Skelton is back in the starting role after Kevin Kolb was diagnosed with a rib and chest injury that will cause him to miss an unspecified amount of time, according to a team official.

Results of an MRI and CT scan revealed that Kolb suffered cartilage damage in the rib area and a sprained sternoclavicular joint - where the collarbone meets the breastbone - in Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Kolb had "multiple" ribs detached from the sternum and would miss several weeks.

Kolb has taken a beating this season, including being sacked 22 times in the past three weeks. Oddly, he suffered the rib injury on a botched running play. Running back William Powell went the wrong way and Kolb was forced to run. He was tackled by two Buffalo players and landed on the ball.

Skelton replaced him, playing for the first time since suffering a sprained ankle in the season opener.

Rookie Ryan Lindley will back up Skelton against the Vikings.

No one from the Cardinals was available for comment on Tuesday, the players' day off.

Kolb's injury has implications both in the short term and long.

The Cardinals have paid him nearly $21 million since acquiring him in a trade with the Eagles in the summer of 2011. His salary is due to increase from $1 million to $9 million next year, and he's due a $2 million bonus if he's on the roster in March.

The Cardinals will decide before then whether to bring Kolb back at that rate, try to re-negotiate or part ways with him.

Kolb had played efficiently for the most part over the past month, completing 59.6% of his passes with eight touchdowns and three interceptions.

Skelton, in a more limited amount of action, has struggled. He relieved Kolb last Sunday and completed two of 10 passes. Both completions, however, were important, and helped set the Cardinals up to win the game in regulation. Skelton' interception in overtime led to the Bills' game-winning field goal.

Overall, Skelton has completed 42% of his passes this season with no touchdowns and two interceptions.